Gladiators announce affiliation with Ottawa Senators

DULUTH, Ga. - Atlanta Gladiators President Jerry James announced a one-year affiliation agreement with the National Hockey League’s Ottawa Senators and the American Hockey League’s Belleville Senators.

“Today the Atlanta Gladiators have partnered with an organization in Ottawa that shares our commitment to developing tomorrow’s NHL stars,” said James. “We’re extremely excited to be a part of the Senators’ family, and we truly believe that this relationship will elevate the play of all three teams involved. Serving as an affiliate to Ottawa and Belleville will bring a tremendous amount of value to our fans.”

Forty-six ECHL alumni have suited up for the Senators through Ottawa’s 15 years of affiliation with ECHL teams.

The Belleville Senators will serve as the Gladiators’ affiliate at the AHL level. The franchise began playing in Belleville in 2017 and have been partnered with the parent team in Ottawa ever since. Belleville and Ottawa are located nearly three hours apart in the southeastern region of Ontario.

“We are all excited to work with both Ottawa and Belleville,” said Gladiators Head coach Jeff Pyle. “There is so much great young talent and depth in their system. I’m excited to be able to grow the relationship and build the championship culture we all seek. Having an affiliation with a team directly out of Canada is an exciting new experience for us. We are looking forward to carrying on the Gladiators’ tradition with this affiliation.”